Possibly an unpopular opinion, but my ideal goalie situation would be to trade Auld and re-sign Noronen. It seems that everybody who really supports Auld says "He performed admirably, given the situation" or something like that. But I don't think that Auld is a bonafide #1, nor does he have that potential. Cloutier is a proven #1. Everybody points to bad goals he has let in, but has Auld not let in like, a bad goal every game or two? Clouts didn't let in that many. Platoon Clouts and Noronen in a 50-30 split or so, and lets see what all this talk about Noronen is about. If he's what people say, great, let Cloutier's contract expire or deal him at the deadline. If not, well Cloutier is good enough. We should be able to get a depth goaltender for the AHL (is Flaherty ever going to retire?) for Auld and probably more (picks and prospects).

Maybe I'm insane. But I look at our 3 goalies and think, "Which two make the most sense as a tandem?" And let's not forget that Cloutier is a fiery, competitive, well-respected man in the dressing room while Auld is more quiet. Which personality type do we lack?

I definitely see your point regarding Cloutier's attitude, but I think Auld and Cloutier are roughly equivalent in capability so far, except that Auld is only 25 and two million cheaper which counts big-time. He also showed progress each season, let's see how good he gets with one more. Definitely intrigued by Noronen's upside.

I do think that we need more fiery attitudes on this team, that'd be something we should look to fill as we replace other players.

Oh god, if there is justice for Canuck fans trade Cloutier away now! Auld is just learning his craft, and is younger. Give him a chance people! How can people say he is not good enough when this is his first full season and he played way too many games and was bloody well worn out! Any other coach would have spelled him off, but not Crow, play them till they drop is his attitude. I liked what I saw of Noronen in the last game of the season. He may even be the next finnish Kipper..........

Good arguments rikster, but looking ahead to next season they they are only valid if Auld's development stops and Cloutier doesn't get injured. You have to admit that neither of those results are very likely.

I don't think we will have the cap room to carry all 3 into next year and I think Auld and Noronen are both RFA too. I doubt Noronen would be too excited to be part of a 3 man rotation again after last year, and Auld/Cloutier tandem could be an awkward dressing room situation especially with the Crow's one man system (and I think Crow will be back). Oulette is UFA after this year as is Flaherty, but I doubt Auld or Noronen would sign a 2way so somebody is going to have to get moved. I think it will be Auld as his trade value is probably reasonably high (depending on his new contract) and he could be a good deal sweetener in a Bertuzzi trade that getys us back an impact return. At any rate its a good problem for DN to have because proven goalies will be in demand as a lot of the leagues keepers near retirement age and 10teams want to go in a new direction after this years playoffs or have someone solid around while they ween their prospects. I don't think Auld will ever be elite but he can devlop into a sollid consistent goalie that will be a competent starter that moves around the league for years to come and then settle in to a journeyman backup role.